Blogging from Hagerstown, Maryland

Ndamukong Suh fined $100,000 for ‘illegal’ block

The NFL has fined Detroit Lions defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh a whopping $100,000 fine for the illegal block against Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan during an interception return. In a video replay, Suh can be seen diving at Sullivan’s legs.

Some are saying Suh was going after Sullivan’s knees. I don’t agree. It looks as though Suh is diving at Sullivan’s feet. With that said, it’s still an illegal hit. The NFL actually had a rule against hitting an opponent below the waist during a change of possession (Rule 12, Section 2, Article 5 (a)).

So there are times when it’s perfectly legal to block below the waist, this was just not one of those times. Considering that, the $100,000 fine seems exsesive. It’s not like a blow to the head. It’s never okay to hit an opponent in the head, especially with your own helmeted head.

Blocking below the waist is perfectly legal. Sometimes.

Suh was flagged on the play, and the Lions were penalized 15 yards. The resulting touchdown from the interception return was called back. That probably should have been the end of it. Suh cost his team a touchdown. John Sullivan wasn’t hurt. Sullivan remained in the game and wont miss any playing time in the future because of it.

About Rick Rottman

WordPress enthusiast, coffee drinker, and rabid crusher of candies. I was born and raised in southern California, but now live, work, and blog from Hagerstown, Maryland. You can follow me on Twitter or be my fake friend on Facebook. You can contact me at rlrottman at gmail dot com.